by Neissa Brown Springmann, founder of iGnite

Having come off a hectic summer of selling our house then moving to San Diego in August, this Re-boot could not have come at a better time!  So many of the healthy habits I have practiced for years have fallen by the wayside, and therefore my body, energy and overall health has suffered. So, re-implementing the Re-boot elements has given me a focus and routine — and I’m feeling great!

What I have enjoyed the most is giving myself permission to get 7-9 hours of sleep, properly hydrating, exercising outdoors and eliminating caffeine.  Sleep, hydration, outdoor exercise and not drinking caffeine go hand in hand for me. When I sleep, hydrate and exercise, I make better food choices and I notice a distinct difference in the way I feel and function.  Also, I am a caffeine abuser.  It gives me a false sense of energy and therefore I don’t get the sleep I need. Then, when I don’t get the sleep I need, the whole vicious cycle of needing more caffeine, not properly hydrating, not making good food choices and then not feeling like exercising starts all over again.  So, for me, eliminating caffeine and getting more sleep are the two most important pieces that set me up for feeling great!

Top left: For hydration and extra cleansing I love the SUJA Lemon Love from Costco. I found it in the San Diego Costco and it’s “Master Cleanse-ish” but without the maple syrup and is sweetened with Stevia. Next, is a jug of cranberry water, SUJA Organic Mighty Greens (also found in the San Diego Costco) and Kombucha (also much cheaper when purchased at Costco); Bottom Left: Morning Hot Lemon Water; Right: Numi Organic Chia Hot Caffeine-free tea on page 22 of our Re-Boot Booklet. I steep when I am wanting a warm coffee drink. I usually make it with Coconut Milk but I was out so I made it with Almond Milk.

My 2 favorite cookbooks

I do not enjoy cooking.  I am not creative, and I loath the mess I have to clean up afterwards; therefore, too often I stick with the same boring things.  However, what I do find most helpful is using two of my favorite cookbooks, Against All Grain and Everyday Detox, and the iGnite Re-Boot Booklet.  These two beautifully written cookbooks are loaded with Re-boot friendly recipes.  So, last weekend I dog-eared the recipes I wanted to use for the Re-boot, headed to the grocery store and have had a fully-loaded pantry and refrigerator.

Paleo and Re-Boot friendly pancakes from Against All Grain for the family, and a Strawberry Basil Blast from Everyday Detox for me. Bottom Right: Chocolate Chai Smoothie – A delicious meal or snack that is Re-boot Friendly!

Detox Salad from p. 28 of the Re-Boot Booklet with avocado and white fish. Bottom: Veggie and Shrimp Bonsai bowl from Wahoo’s Fish Taco: brown rice, black beans, shrimp and lots of veggies

What has been the most difficult for me is that this Re-Boot has fallen during my husband’s birthday, so I haven’t been perfect.  The kids and I made him a delicious cake and rather than not participate in the celebration (that would be terrible!), I enjoyed festivities, devoured my cake, had a class of wine with him and followed up with extra hydration and clean eating.  I have found that when I enjoy a splurge or drink alcohol, the best antidote is to follow with extra hydration.  It’s cleansing and seems to reverse the often times gross after-effect feelings.

Outdoor Band Exercise with my kids at one of our neighboorhood parks

What I once had to force because I was told I needed them, I am an Epsom salt bath and body-brushing lover.  But, unfortuntely and ridicously, I have not made time to do either yet. This is another habit that I have dropped and I am determined to get at least two in by the end of the Re-boot.

All in all, I love the Re-boot!  It always seems to come at the perfect time for me, when my good habits have dwindled.  What’s always interesting is that on the front end, it seems like it adds an extra layer of complexitiy to my life, but once I’m in it, I consistently realize how it truly simplifies my life.  I am more mindful, peaceful and rested.  And, I LOVE taking a break from social media.  I’m not a huge fan of social media, but when I do sneak a peek, it sucks me in!  So, if anyone wants to permantly boycott it with me, let me know.  I’ll be happy to be the ring-leader 🙂